Holy week around the world

Images from around the world as Christians begin to celebrate holy week

March 25, 2013 4:06 PM

Photo: JOSE CABEZAS/AFP/Getty Images

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Indonesian Catholics participate in a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday on March 29, 2013 in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Catholics make up approximately 3% of the population of the predominantly Muslim country. less

Indonesian Catholics participate in a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday on March 29, 2013 in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Catholics make up approximately 3% of the population ... more

Indonesian Catholics participate in a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday on March 29, 2013 in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Catholics make up approximately 3% of the population of the predominantly Muslim country. less

Indonesian Catholics participate in a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday on March 29, 2013 in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Catholics make up approximately 3% of the population ... more

Indonesian Catholics participate in a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday on March 29, 2013 in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Catholics make up approximately 3% of the population of the predominantly Muslim country. less

Indonesian Catholics participate in a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday on March 29, 2013 in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Catholics make up approximately 3% of the population ... more

Ecuadorean catholics pray as they walk during the Silence Procession of Maundy Thursday on March 29, 2013 in Quito, Ecuador.

Ecuadorean catholics pray as they walk during the Silence Procession of Maundy Thursday on March 29, 2013 in Quito, Ecuador.

Photo: Edu Leon/CON, LatinContent/Getty Images

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Indonesians take part in a re-enactment of the Stations Of The Cross on Good Friday at the Raja Agung church on March 29, 2013 in Bintan Island, Indonesia. Catholics make up approximately 3% per cent of the population of the predominantly Muslim country. less

Indonesians take part in a re-enactment of the Stations Of The Cross on Good Friday at the Raja Agung church on March 29, 2013 in Bintan Island, Indonesia. Catholics make up approximately 3% per cent of the ... more

Photo: Yuli Seperi, Getty Images

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Ultra-Orthodox Jews pray as they burn leavened items in a final preparation before the start at sundown of the Jewish Pesach (Passover) holiday, on March 25, 2013 in Jerusalem. Religious Jews worldwide eat matzoth during the eight-day Pesach holiday that commemorates the Israelis' exodus from Egypt some 3,500 years ago and their ancestors' plight by refraining from eating leavened food products. AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANAMENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images less

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Ultra-Orthodox Jews pray as they burn leavened items in a final preparation before the start at sundown of the Jewish Pesach (Passover) holiday, on March 25, 2013 in Jerusalem. Religious Jews ... more

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men prepare Matzoth, or unleavened bread, in a final preparation before the start at sundown of the Jewish Pesach (Passover) holiday on March 25, 2013 in Bnei Brak, Israel. Religious Jews throughout the world eat matzoth during the eight-day Passover, or Pesach, holiday, The Jewish holiday commemorates the Israelis' exodus from Egypt some 3,500 years ago and their ancestors' plight by refraining from eating leavened food. Passover begins March 25 and ends on the evening of April 02. less

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men prepare Matzoth, or unleavened bread, in a final preparation before the start at sundown of the Jewish Pesach (Passover) holiday on March 25, 2013 in Bnei Brak, Israel. Religious Jews ... more

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men burn leavened items in a final preparation before the Passover holiday in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish town of Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, March. 25, 2013. Jews are forbidden to eat leavened foodstuffs during the Passover holiday that celebrates the biblical story of the Israelites' escape from slavery and exodus from Egypt. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty) less

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men burn leavened items in a final preparation before the Passover holiday in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish town of Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, March. 25, 2013. Jews are ... more

Penitents wearing mantillas walk the streets during the Holy Week procession of the Cofradia de la Virgen de la Esperanza on March 28, 2013 in Zamora, Spain. Easter week is traditionally celebrated with processions in most Spanish towns. less

Penitents wearing mantillas walk the streets during the Holy Week procession of the Cofradia de la Virgen de la Esperanza on March 28, 2013 in Zamora, Spain. Easter week is traditionally celebrated with ... more

Cesar Higuero Martin, aged 25, reacts after walking the way of the cross or 'Via Crucis' at the end of the procession of the 'Empalaos' on March 29, 2013 in Valverde de la Vera, Spain. Empalaos make the steps of the 'Via Crucis', marking the Stations of the Cross, during the night of Maundy Thursday while bound by rope to a crucifix as an act of penance and to honour a promise made to the Empalaos Brotherhood and the Christ of Vera Cruz, in the town of Valverde de la Vera. The process of dressing the Empalao in the traditional costume is taken with great care, with the family and dressers paying attention to ensure that no harm is caused to the penitent and that they are aided in their recovery, including being massaged and rubbed with rosemary alcohol. Many Spanish towns and villages retain such rites and religious traditions, many passed down from medieval times, across the Easter weekend. less

Cesar Higuero Martin, aged 25, reacts after walking the way of the cross or 'Via Crucis' at the end of the procession of the 'Empalaos' on March 29, 2013 in Valverde de la Vera, Spain. Empalaos make the steps ... more

Pope Francis conducts his first Chrism Mass inside St Peter's Basilica on the morning of Holy Thursday on March 28, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Newly-appointed Pope Francis has begun the Christian traditions leading up to Easter during his first holy week as pontiff. Pope Francis will today hold a feet-washing mass, which commemorates the last supper, at a youth detention centre where he will wash the feet of prisoners. less

Pope Francis conducts his first Chrism Mass inside St Peter's Basilica on the morning of Holy Thursday on March 28, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Newly-appointed Pope Francis has begun the Christian traditions ... more

Members of the Spanish Legion carry a statue of the Christ of the Good Death to the Santo Domingo de Guzman church during a Holy Week procession in Malaga, southern Spain, on March 28, 2013. Christian believers around the world mark the Holy Week of Easter in celebration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. less

Members of the Spanish Legion carry a statue of the Christ of the Good Death to the Santo Domingo de Guzman church during a Holy Week procession in Malaga, southern Spain, on March 28, 2013. Christian believers ... more

Photo: JORGE GUERRERO, Getty Images

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Roman Catholic clergymen hold candles as they circle the Anointing Stone during the Holy Thursday mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's old city on March 28, 2013 ahead of Easter celebrations. Christians around the world are marking the Holy Week, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, leading up to his resurrection on Easter. Christians traditionally believe the church is built on the site where Jesus was crucified and buried. less

Roman Catholic clergymen hold candles as they circle the Anointing Stone during the Holy Thursday mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's old city on March 28, 2013 ahead of Easter celebrations. ... more

Penitents start their panata, or vow, in the morning as a form of penance during holy week on March 28, 2013 in Pampanga, Philippines. The carrying of a cross or flagellation (Penitensya in Filipino) is an extreme act of mortification in which the penitent scourges himself by whipping his own flesh. Although condemned by the Catholic church and frowned upon in the modern age, hundreds of Filipino faithfuls still practice it to this day and has become a part of Philippine culture and tradition in Asia's largest predominantly Roman Catholic nation. less

Penitents start their panata, or vow, in the morning as a form of penance during holy week on March 28, 2013 in Pampanga, Philippines. The carrying of a cross or flagellation (Penitensya in Filipino) is an ... more

Photo: Dondi Tawatao, Getty Images

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Flagellants whip their backs with wooden flails during holy week on March 28, 2013 in Pampanga province, Philippines. Flagellation (Penitensya in Filipino) is an extreme act of mortification in which the penitent scourges himself by whipping his own flesh. Although the blody practice is condemned by the Catholic church and frowned upon in the modern age, hundreds of Filipino faithfuls still practice it to this day as a form of panata, or vow, and has become a part of Philippine culture and tradition. less

Flagellants whip their backs with wooden flails during holy week on March 28, 2013 in Pampanga province, Philippines. Flagellation (Penitensya in Filipino) is an extreme act of mortification in which the ... more

Penitents start their panata, or vow, in the morning as a form of penance during holy week on March 28, 2013 in Pampanga, Philippines. The carrying of a cross or flagellation (Penitensya in Filipino) is an extreme act of mortification in which the penitent scourges himself by whipping his own flesh. Although condemned by the Catholic church and frowned upon in the modern age, hundreds of Filipino faithfuls still practice it to this day and has become a part of Philippine culture and tradition in Asia's largest predominantly Roman Catholic nation. less

Penitents start their panata, or vow, in the morning as a form of penance during holy week on March 28, 2013 in Pampanga, Philippines. The carrying of a cross or flagellation (Penitensya in Filipino) is an ... more

Photo: Dondi Tawatao, Getty Images

Penitents start their panata, or vow, in the morning as a form of... Photo-4389128.59069 - StamfordAdvocate

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Penitents start their panata, or vow, in the morning as a form of penance during holy week on March 28, 2013 in Pampanga, Philippines. The carrying of a cross or flagellation (Penitensya in Filipino) is an extreme act of mortification in which the penitent scourges himself by whipping his own flesh. Although condemned by the Catholic church and frowned upon in the modern age, hundreds of Filipino faithfuls still practice it to this day and has become a part of Philippine culture and tradition in Asia's largest predominantly Roman Catholic nation. less

Penitents start their panata, or vow, in the morning as a form of penance during holy week on March 28, 2013 in Pampanga, Philippines. The carrying of a cross or flagellation (Penitensya in Filipino) is an ... more

Photo: Dondi Tawatao, Getty Images

Penitents start their panata, or vow, in the morning as a form of... Photo-4389129.59069 - StamfordAdvocate

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Penitents walk with the statue of "The Dolorous" during the procession of the Holy Wednesday in Cali, Valle del Cauca department, Colombia, on March 27, 2013.

Penitents walk with the statue of "The Dolorous" during the procession of the Holy Wednesday in Cali, Valle del Cauca department, Colombia, on March 27, 2013.

Photo: Getty Images

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Faithfuls reenact the crucifixion of Jesus during an aquatic Via Crucis carried out on boats between the islets of the Nicaragua -Cocibolca- lake, in Granada, on March 27, 2013, during Holy Week celebrations.

Faithfuls reenact the crucifixion of Jesus during an aquatic Via Crucis carried out on boats between the islets of the Nicaragua -Cocibolca- lake, in Granada, on March 27, 2013, during Holy Week celebrations.

Photo: AFP, Getty Images

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Children reenact the crucifixion of Jesus during an aquatic Via Crucis carried out on boats between the islets of the Nicaragua -Cocibolca- lake, in Granada, on March 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Hector RETAMAL

Children reenact the crucifixion of Jesus during an aquatic Via Crucis carried out on boats between the islets of the Nicaragua -Cocibolca- lake, in Granada, on March 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Hector RETAMAL

Photo: AFP, Getty Images

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An Indian Christian devotee holds palm leaves during a Palm Sunday procession in Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the sixth and last Sunday of the Christian Holy month of Lent and the beginning of Holy week. less

An Indian Christian devotee holds palm leaves during a Palm Sunday procession in Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the sixth and last Sunday of the Christian Holy ... more

Memorabilia is sold on a stall outside the Pantheon on March 25, 2013 in Rome, Italy. Pope Francis yesterday led his first mass of Holy Week as pontiff by celebrating Palm Sunday in front of thousands of faithful and clergy. less

Memorabilia is sold on a stall outside the Pantheon on March 25, 2013 in Rome, Italy. Pope Francis yesterday led his first mass of Holy Week as pontiff by celebrating Palm Sunday in front of thousands of ... more

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

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Faithful hold palm fronds and a crucifix during a Palm Sunday Mass at the Baby Jesus Church in Bogota, Colombia, Sunday March 24, 2013. According to the New Testament, Palm Sunday marks the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem, greeted by cheering crowds bearing palm fronds. For Christians, Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week. The week continues with commemorations of Jesus' crucifixion on Good Friday before celebrating his resurrection on Easter the following Sunday. less

Faithful hold palm fronds and a crucifix during a Palm Sunday Mass at the Baby Jesus Church in Bogota, Colombia, Sunday March 24, 2013. According to the New Testament, Palm Sunday marks the day Jesus rode into ... more

Faithful pray during a Palm Sunday Mass at the Baby Jesus Church in Bogota, Colombia, Sunday March 24, 2013. According to the New Testament, Palm Sunday marks the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem, greeted by cheering crowds bearing palm fronds. For Christians, Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week. The week continues with commemorations of Jesus' crucifixion on Good Friday before celebrating his resurrection on Easter the following Sunday. less

Faithful pray during a Palm Sunday Mass at the Baby Jesus Church in Bogota, Colombia, Sunday March 24, 2013. According to the New Testament, Palm Sunday marks the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem, greeted by ... more

Photo: Fernando Vergara, AP

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Indian Christian devotees hold palm leaves during a Palm Sunday procession in Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the sixth and last Sunday of the Christian Holy month of Lent and the beginning of Holy week. less

Indian Christian devotees hold palm leaves during a Palm Sunday procession in Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the sixth and last Sunday of the Christian Holy month ... more

Military cadets take part in a Palm Sunday procession as hundreds of Catholic faithfuls watch, in Asuncion, on March 24, 2013. For Christians, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, welcomed by crowds waving palm branches, before his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection. It is traditionally marked by a procession and special mass. less

Military cadets take part in a Palm Sunday procession as hundreds of Catholic faithfuls watch, in Asuncion, on March 24, 2013. For Christians, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates ... more

Photo: NORBERTO DUARTE, AFP/Getty Images

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Catholic faithfuls waves palm leaves during a Palm Sunday procession in Capiata, 24 km east of Asuncion, on March 24, 2013. For Christians, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, welcomed by crowds waving palm branches, before his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection. It is traditionally marked by a procession and special mass. less

Catholic faithfuls waves palm leaves during a Palm Sunday procession in Capiata, 24 km east of Asuncion, on March 24, 2013. For Christians, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates ... more

A Catholic faithful participates in a Palm Sunday procession in the town of Suchitoto, 47 km east from San Salvador, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the start of the most solemn week is the Roman Catholic calendar, marking the triumphant return of Christ to Jerusalem the week before his death, when a cheering crowd greeted him waving palm leaves. less

A Catholic faithful participates in a Palm Sunday procession in the town of Suchitoto, 47 km east from San Salvador, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the start of the most solemn week is the Roman Catholic ... more

A Catholic faithful participates in a Palm Sunday procession in the town of Suchitoto, 47 km east from San Salvador, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the start of the most solemn week is the Roman Catholic calendar, marking the triumphant return of Christ to Jerusalem the week before his death, when a cheering crowd greeted him waving palm leaves. less

A Catholic faithful participates in a Palm Sunday procession in the town of Suchitoto, 47 km east from San Salvador, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the start of the most solemn week is the Roman Catholic ... more

The Archbishop of Managua, Leopoldo Brenes, gets ready to begin the Palm Sunday procession, at the Cathedral of Managua, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, welcomed by crowds waving palm branches, before his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection. It is traditionally marked by a procession and special mass. less

The Archbishop of Managua, Leopoldo Brenes, gets ready to begin the Palm Sunday procession, at the Cathedral of Managua, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates ... more

The Archbishop of Managua, Leopoldo Brenes (R), celebrates Palm Sunday mass at the Cathedral of Managua, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, welcomed by crowds waving palm branches, before his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection. It is traditionally marked by a procession and special mass. less

The Archbishop of Managua, Leopoldo Brenes (R), celebrates Palm Sunday mass at the Cathedral of Managua, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates Christ's triumphant ... more

Catholic faithfuls participate in a Palm Sunday procession in Managua, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, welcomed by crowds waving palm branches, before his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection. It is traditionally marked by a procession and special mass. less

Catholic faithfuls participate in a Palm Sunday procession in Managua, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the back of a ... more

Catholic faithfuls participate in a Palm Sunday procession in Managua, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, welcomed by crowds waving palm branches, before his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection. It is traditionally marked by a procession and special mass. less

Catholic faithfuls participate in a Palm Sunday procession in Managua, on March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the back of a ... more

Pope Francis waves after celebrating his first Palm Sunday Mass, in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Pope Francis celebrated his first Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square, encouraging people to be humble and young at heart, as tens of thousands joyfully waved olive branches and palm fronds. The square overflowed with some 250,000 pilgrims, tourists and Romans eager to join the new pope at the start of solemn Holy Week ceremonies, which lead up to Easter, Christianity's most important day. less

Pope Francis waves after celebrating his first Palm Sunday Mass, in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Pope Francis celebrated his first Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square, ... more

Pope Francis is driven around in an open top jeep in St Peter's Square following the Palm Sunday Mass on March 24, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis lead his first mass of Holy Week as pontiff by celebrating Palm Sunday in front of thousands of faithful and clergy. The pope's first holy week will also incorporate him washing the feet of prisoners in a youth detention centre in Rome next Thursday, 28th March. less

Pope Francis is driven around in an open top jeep in St Peter's Square following the Palm Sunday Mass on March 24, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis lead his first mass of Holy Week as pontiff by ... more

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Pope Francis is driven around in an open top jeep in St... Photo-4375721.59069 - StamfordAdvocate

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A man hold palm leaves in the shape of a cross during a Palm Sunday procession in Lagos, Nigeria, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the sixth and last Sunday of the Christian Holy month of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. less

A man hold palm leaves in the shape of a cross during a Palm Sunday procession in Lagos, Nigeria, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the sixth and last Sunday of the Christian Holy month of Lent and the ... more

Photo: Sunday Alamba, AP

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Traditionally hand made palms stand in front of a church during a Palm Sunday procession in Lofer, Austrian province of Salzburg, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday opens the Holy Week which ends with Easter Sunday, the most important Christian holiday. less

Traditionally hand made palms stand in front of a church during a Palm Sunday procession in Lofer, Austrian province of Salzburg, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday opens the Holy Week which ends with Easter ... more

Photo: Kerstin Joensson, AP

Traditionally hand made palms stand in front of a church during a... Photo-4375740.59069 - StamfordAdvocate

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Catholics faithful hold palm leaves during a Palm Sunday procession in Lagos, Nigeria, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the sixth and last Sunday of the Christian Holy month of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. less

Catholics faithful hold palm leaves during a Palm Sunday procession in Lagos, Nigeria, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the sixth and last Sunday of the Christian Holy month of Lent and the beginning ... more

A priest rides a donkey during a Palm Sunday procession in Warsaw, Poland, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday, the feast commemorating Jesus' triumphal entry on a donkey into Jerusalem, opens the Holy Week which ends with Easter Sunday, the most important Catholic holiday. less

A priest rides a donkey during a Palm Sunday procession in Warsaw, Poland, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday, the feast commemorating Jesus' triumphal entry on a donkey into Jerusalem, opens the Holy Week ... more

Photo: Alik Keplicz, AP

A priest rides a donkey during a Palm Sunday procession in Warsaw,... Photo-4375735.59069 - StamfordAdvocate

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A girl carries a hand made palm during a Palm Sunday procession in Lofer, Austrian province of Salzburg, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday opens the Holy Week which ends with Easter Sunday, the most important Christian holiday. less

A girl carries a hand made palm during a Palm Sunday procession in Lofer, Austrian province of Salzburg, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday opens the Holy Week which ends with Easter Sunday, the most ... more

Photo: Kerstin Joensson, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A girl carries a hand made palm during a Palm Sunday procession in... Photo-4375741.59069 - StamfordAdvocate

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A man carrying a tall palm follows a priest during a Palm Sunday procession in Warsaw, Poland, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday opens the Holy Week which ends with Easter Sunday, the most important Catholic holiday. less

A man carrying a tall palm follows a priest during a Palm Sunday procession in Warsaw, Poland, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday opens the Holy Week which ends with Easter Sunday, the most important Catholic ... more

Photo: Alik Keplicz, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A man carrying a tall palm follows a priest during a Palm Sunday... Photo-4375743.59069 - StamfordAdvocate

Pope Francis kisses 8-month-old Victoria Maria Marino from Sicily after delivering his blessing to the palms and to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square during Palm Sunday Mass on March 24, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis lead his first mass of Holy Week as pontiff by celebrating Palm Sunday in front of thousands of faithful and clergy. The pope's first holy week will also incorporate him washing the feet of prisoners in a youth detention centre in Rome next Thursday, 28th March. less

Pope Francis kisses 8-month-old Victoria Maria Marino from Sicily after delivering his blessing to the palms and to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square during Palm Sunday Mass on March 24, 2013 in ... more

Cardinals process to the Obelisk as Pope Francis delivers his blessing to the palms and to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square during Palm Sunday Mass on March 24, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis lead his first mass of Holy Week as pontiff by celebrating Palm Sunday in front of thousands of faithful and clergy. The pope's first holy week will also incorporate him washing the feet of prisoners in a youth detention centre in Rome next Thursday, 28th March. less

Cardinals process to the Obelisk as Pope Francis delivers his blessing to the palms and to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square during Palm Sunday Mass on March 24, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope ... more

People collect olive branches ahead of Pope Francis' blessing to the palms and to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square during Palm Sunday Mass on March 24, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis lead his first mass of Holy Week as pontiff by celebrating Palm Sunday in front of thousands of faithful and clergy. The pope's first holy week will also incorporate him washing the feet of prisoners in a youth detention centre in Rome next Thursday, 28th March. less

People collect olive branches ahead of Pope Francis' blessing to the palms and to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square during Palm Sunday Mass on March 24, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis ... more

An Indian Catholic woman makes a cross with palm leaves during a Palm Sunday procession at the St. Joseph Cathedral in Hyderabad, India, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the sixth and last Sunday of the Christian Holy month of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. less

An Indian Catholic woman makes a cross with palm leaves during a Palm Sunday procession at the St. Joseph Cathedral in Hyderabad, India, Sunday, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the sixth and last Sunday of ... more

Photo: Mahesh Kumar A, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Indian Catholic woman makes a cross with palm leaves during a... Photo-4375737.59069 - StamfordAdvocate

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Children ride their horse through the 'Feria de Ramos' or Palm Fair, in El Alto, Bolivia, Saturday, March 23, 2013. The annual 3-day livestock fair takes place on Palm Sunday weekend and is a Holy Week tradition for some Bolivians. less

Children ride their horse through the 'Feria de Ramos' or Palm Fair, in El Alto, Bolivia, Saturday, March 23, 2013. The annual 3-day livestock fair takes place on Palm Sunday weekend and is a Holy Week ... more

Photo: Juan Karita, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Children ride their horse through the 'Feria de Ramos' or... Photo-4375738.59069 - StamfordAdvocate